Higher Education Leadership Ed.S.
The Ed.S. degree in Higher Education Leadership (Higher Education Leadership option) provides participants with in-depth study of all functional areas of higher education institutions. An emphasis on mission-driven leadership, data-driven and research-informed practice and decision-making, and student-centered outcomes define the program. Designed to be completed in six quarters, the Ed.S. in Higher Education Leadership integrates work for the doctoral capstone project beginning in the first year of study.
The Ed.S. in Higher Education Leadership program is offered in both online and executive cohort formats.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO1. Students will demonstrate the ability to assess critical issues and challenges related to leading mission-driven, student-centered higher education institutions (HEIs) and/or their functions in the increasingly complex and competitive environment.
PLO2. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify data needs, select appropriate empirical approaches, and engage in research related to solving complex issues with multiple stakeholders.
PLO3. Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in collaborative, evidence-based practices to create, lead, manage, and grow programs and initiatives designed to advance the institutional mission and goals.
PLO4. Students will demonstrate the ability to contribute to efficient leadership and management of various functions of an HEI, including academic affairs, faculty development, student services, enrollment management, record management, academic technology, quality assurance, and other operational areas.
PLO5. Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate theories of student development, teaching and learning, leadership, governance, assessment, and continuous improvement into professional practice.
In addition to the National Louis University Graduate Admissions requirements, applicants must:
- Submit professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Submit a written statement responding to questions as established and periodically revised by the faculty
- Submit a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by the faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate’s capacity for undertaking doctoral studies.
- Sit for a faculty interview and review
Program Details:
- Requires 33 SH for completion
- Requires a grade of “B” or better in all program coursework
- Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted for the following courses in the program: HED 620, HED 622, HED 624, HED 626, HED 630, HED 634, and HED 695 (for the maximum of 9 SH)
- All of the hours earned in the Ed.S. Higher Education Leadership (Higher Education Leadership option) may be applied toward the Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership within 10 years. Applicants for each degree must be admitted to that degree. Applicants for the Ed.D. can be concurrently admitted to the Ed.S. if they chose.
Required Courses
Gateway Courses
| HED 600 | Higher Education in the United States | 3 |
| HED 601 | Introduction to Doctoral Studies and Research in Education | 3 |
Program Core
| HED 620 | Leadership and Governance in Higher Education | 3 |
| HED 622 | Strategic Marketing and Enrollment Management | 3 |
| HED 624 | Finance and Budgeting in Higher Education | 3 |
| HED 626 | Legal Issues in Higher Education | 3 |
| HED 630 | Academic Affairs: Faculty, Curriculum, and Assessment | 3 |
| HED 632 | Student Development Theory | 3 |
| HED 634 | Quality Assurance in Higher Education | 3 |
Doctoral Research
| HED 650 | Contextual Study in Higher Education | 3 |
Electives
Choose 3 semester hours from the list of courses below:
| CCD 615 | Sociology of Education | 3 |
| CCD 620 | Epistemology of Learning, Teaching and Inquiry | 3 |
| HED 651 | Data-driven Decision Making in Education | 3 |
| HED 689 | Directed Study in Higher Education | .5 TO 6 |
| HED 690 | Internship in Higher Education | 1 TO 6 |
| HED 691 | Field Experience in Higher Education | 1 TO 6 |
| HED 695 | Special Topics in Higher Education | 1 TO 6 |
| HED 697 | Consulting Project in Higher Education | 1TO 6 |
| LAP 693 | Seminar in Program Evaluation | 3 |
| OBD 633 | Organizational Effectiveness and Development | 3 |
| OBD 650 | Culture of Learning Organizations | 3 |
| OBD 651 | Diversity and Inclusion in the Organizational Culture | 3 |
Note: All the courses above must be taken for a total of 3 semester hours. Other elective courses may be proposed by the candidate and applied to the program with permission of the Program Chair.